ADVANCED TESTING THAT SAVES LIVES
WHY IS ADVANCED TESTING IMPORTANT?
SUDDEN DEATH CAN BE THE 1ST SYMPTOM
For 50% of patients with coronary heart disease, SUDDEN DEATH is their first presenting symptom. Clearly this is too late. We must identify hidden risk factors earlier if we are going to beat this disease.
MISCLASSIFICATION
Current risk estimates can misclassify true coronary heart disease risk in individual patients. These risk algorithms may be okay for large populations, but they are limited in predictive power for individuals. Additional bloodwork and advanced testing can often help clinicians evaluate a patient’s cardiovascular risk more accurately, especially when there is uncertainty about the need to start drug therapy. This is especially beneficial for intermediate-risk patients.
LACK OF PREVENTION
Heart disease takes decades to develop, yet a majority of patients who experience their first heart attack have a traditional risk factor profile that does NOT qualify them for preventative medical therapy - the disease has been present for years undetected and progressively worsening without any interventions. Since most of these patients do not have a classic lipid disorder (such as elevated LDL-C), advanced tests are needed to help explain the etiology of their disease (and identify the hidden risk factors).
STATIN DRUGS ALONE DON’T SOLVE THE PROBLEM
More people on a statin drug have a cardiovascular (CV) event than the number prevented from having an event, so this treatment alone is not sufficient.
Most doctors practice guideline-driven medical care, which includes statin therapy, and yet heart disease is STILL our number one killer.
We must identify and address the source of the problem (the residual risk) if we want to stop the progression of CV disease.
FAMILY HISTORY
Family history is a powerful predictor of CV events, so knowing someone’s genetic make-up can help clarify this risk and identify which patients require more aggressive treatment. When added to other advanced testing, genetic information helps guide clinical decision-making, particularly for the moderate risk patients who are “on the fence.” However, it is important to remember that though genetics play a role in our risk of developing disease, they do not determine our destiny. As Dr. Robert Superko put it, "Genetics are the gun, but lifestyle is the trigger."
WAIT TO LONG
Traditional stress tests typically only identify advanced blockages in the coronary arteries, helping to determine which patients might need surgical intervention (stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery). However, it takes decades for disease to progress to this point. By utilizing cardiopulmonary stress testing (CPET) instead, we can identify disease at the early stages, even when it has only affected the small vessels (microvascular disease). This way we can intervene with treatment strategies earlier and help prevent existing plaque from progressing and eventually blocking the larger arteries (and causing a heart attack or stroke).
CATCH IT EARLY ON
Regular carotid ultrasounds can only identify large plaques impeding blood flow in the neck, while small plaques (and even just inflammation) in the lining of these arteries can still be an important indicator of CV risk. Instead of waiting to use carotid ultrasound measurements in the late stages of vascular disease, we aim to target these abnormalities early with the carotid intima-media thickness test (CIMT). This test can be done annually to help monitor the progression or regression of vascular disease over time, helping to confirm the effectiveness of any prescribed treatments.
WHAT ADVANCED TESTING IS INCLUDED IN OUR OPTIMAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Have you ever wondered if your doctor is ordering the right tests on you?
The standard work-up can easily miss abnormalities that leave you vulnerable to developing heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
ADVANCED BLOOD WORK
CIMT/FIMT
Carotid Intima Media Thickness
CPET
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test
CGM
Continuous Glucose Monitor
HSS
Home Sleep Study
ADVANCED BCA
Body Composition Analysis
GENETICS
SALIVARY DIAGNOSTICS
Oral Pathogen Testing
ABDOMINAL AORTIC ULTRASOUND
OPTIMAL HEALTH PROGRAM - FAQ
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Our Optimal Health Program is a comprehensive, year-long medical care plan designed to prevent heart disease, stroke, and vascular dementia. It includes advanced testing, personalized treatment, and extensive education to identify and address the root causes of disease.
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We charge a yearly fee to cover the extensive, personalized care and advanced testing we provide. This approach ensures we can deliver the highest level of care without the constraints of hourly or per-test billing.
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We do not file insurance for our services, but blood work can be run through your insurance. We prioritize delivering high-quality, preventative care that goes beyond what is typically covered by insurance.
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Yes, we have already had patients travel from several other states and even countries to get our advanced medical workups! You must come into the office for the initial workup, and, for subsequent workups, at least a minimum of once a year. We also offer virtual appointments when warranted.
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The workup includes a range of advanced medical tests like CPET, CIMT, genetic testing, body composition assessments, and more. It also includes regular, in-depth consultations and access to educational resources and health coaching.
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The program costs $9875 for 12 months.
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Half the fee is due up front, the other half can be divided into three quarterly payments over the year.
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We offer a 10% discount to a spouse or significant other enrolling in the program at the same time.
We also offer a 5% discount to anyone paying for the whole program up front with a check or debit card.
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Through the non-profit, Shalom Support, those who qualify may receive 15% or more off the total price.
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We can connect you with Advance Care Credit, a company that offers interest-free financing for 15 months.
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The program covers a comprehensive range of services, but it does not include the fees for your bloodwork, additional imaging outside our office, and care for conditions not related to cardiometabolic health.
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Simply book a free consultation with our Optimal Health Program Specialist!
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Simply schedule your consultation and we can inform you on next steps!
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Absolutely! We work with people all the time whose main goal is simply becoming the healthiest version of themselves!
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Yes, for $500 we offer a 90 minute appointment that includes an in depth assessment of your medical history, a body composition scan, and exclusive access to an online educational heart health program.
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Yes of course! Kadima Center patients can receive ongoing medical care for $395 a month. Unlimited appointments, regular health coaching and body composition scans, and annual CIMT and CPET testing are included.
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As a Kadima Center patient, you will have direct access to primary care at Whole Heart Family Medicine, Kadima’s sister practice.
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For $395 a month, existing Whole Heart patients can enroll in a Kadima membership plan for ongoing care through the Optimal Health Program. (Additional testing fees may apply). Any primary care needs will still be addressed at Whole Heart Family Medicine.
OUR LOCATION
VISIT US IN OUR CLINIC:
1280 Hospital Drive, Suite 301 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
KADIMA CENTER HOURS:
8 a.m to 5 p.m. - Monday to Tuesday
CONTACT US
CONNECT WITH US:
For any questions: Email us at info@kadimacenter.com
FEEL FREE TO CALL:
(843) 737 6223
FAX NUMBER:
(843) 737 6239